Topic Talks with Tony Wulff (MRQ, Chief Officer)

Last Thursday, an auditorium full of members were able to meet and listen to Tony Wulff, the Chief Officer of the newly established Marine Rescue Queensland. Tony was introduced by Past Commodore Ian Threlfall, who was a member of the state government’s ‘Blue Water Review’ committee that recommended to Government the creation of a single government funded marine rescue service nearly 5 years ago.

Tony, who happens to be a member of RQYS and has a lifetime of experience with sailing and the marine sector, gave a very informative update on the creation of the new government funded service. He explained how, over the coming year, they plan for all current VMR and Coast Guard bases to transition over to be part of the new single team. He also discussed how the massive increase in Government funding will see the fabulous volunteers, who keep us safe out there, will have better equipment, better support and not have to rely on donations and subscriptions to maintain their important service. A key message from Tony was that it will be business as usual in terms of the current rescue bases providing a vital safety net for us all on the water.

A big thank you to Tony for making the time to visit and for accepting our invitation to visit again further down the ‘track’ to give our members further information about this important boating initiative.